Warne, MacGill Turn Lankans Square

Australia have completed a commanding victory in the First Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle thanks to a combined 9 wickets to spinners Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill in the fourth innings.

Entering Day 4 in a commanding position the Sri Lankans failed to capitalize on their advantage.

Despite Australia losing Matthew Hayden (130) early in the day the host side were far too reliant on champion spinner Muttiah Muralitharan as they suffered from not being able to cause pressure at the other end.

Hayden's innings proved his Indian heroics of 2001 were no flash in the pan. He now rates as a commanding player in all conditions across the globe.

Despite some testing spells from Chaminda Vaas, Kumara Dharmasena and Upul Chandana failed to apply significant amounts of pressure upon the Australians.

Yet a contrasting display of finesse and brutality batted the Sri Lankans out of their strong position, with a 206-run stand between Damien Martyn and Darren Lehmann steering the Australians to relative safety.

For Martyn, resuming the day unbeaten on 12, his ton announced his return to prominence in the middle order. His innings was his first Test century since Australia toured South Africa in 2002.

Long has his ability against quality spin bowling been questioned, his soft hands fielded calls from critics for him to be dumped in the best possible way. His innings offers confidence for the remainder of the series and the Indian tour later in the year.

A look towards the heavens in recognition of a long-lost friend crowned Lehmann's fourth Test century in 7 matches. A well-deserved tear was wiped from his brow as he pondered the skies and his old mate David Hookes.

While not noted as a great stylist his innings outlined how much of a valuable contributor he is to the Australian cause. With his build can at times be unflattering, his cementing of an innings long lives in the memory.

At times he stood a foot outside leg stump, yet even with such bold moves was he able to execute his plan in such commanding style.

Andrew Symonds made his first 24 Test runs, while Adam Gilchrist's sub-continental horrors were further compounded as a late collapse gave Muralitharan 5 wickets, allowing him to draw equal with Shane Warne on 496 Test wickets.

He finished the innings with 5/153, despite at one stage having 1/130 - a late slog fest from the Australians allowed for his flattering figures.

With only 3 overs to bat out to complete Day 4 following Ricky Ponting's declaration with a lead of 351, Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara ended the day unbeaten despite a probing 3 overs from Shane Warne and Jason Gillespie with the new ball.

Yet in the third over of play for Day 5 Michael Kasprowicz claimed the sole pace wicket of the Sri Lankan innings as he trapped Sangakkara plumb LBW.

The introduction of Warne into the attack for the first time of the day snared 3 quick wickets as Atapattu, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene all fell on a crumbling pitch.

With the pitch tailor-made for Muralitharan and co., the Sri Lankan management fell on their own sword. Australia possesses 2 world-class leg spinners that are highly capable should the conditions suit.

Stuart MacGill claimed Sanath Jayasuriya upon the shadows of lunch to leave the Sri Lankans languishing at 5 down at the break, with Warne tantalizingly close to the magic 500 Test wicket mark on 499.

As MacGill snared Samaraweera for 15 soon after the break - Sri Lanka's final hope - the stage was set for yet another dose of Warne hysteria.

Coming for around the wicket and pitching in the footmarks, Warne drew a false sweep shot from Sri Lankan captain Hashan Tillakaratne. As the ball looped high into the air, debutant Andrew Symonds placed himself in position and completed the catch.

Warne showed typical jubilation, slapping the hands of the fielder before being embraced by his teammates.

Following 15 months in the Test cricket wilderness, Warne needed 9 wickets in this match to become the second bowler to reach 500 Test wickets following Courtney Walsh. Upon the completion of the 35th wicket of the match, he held the ball to all corners of the Galle crowd in recognition of heartfelt applause.

Not for the first time, the redemption was complete.

Upul Chandana's quick-fire 43 offered nuisance value for the Sri Lankans as MacGill claimed another 2 wickets of the Sri Lankan tail. Upon the dismissal of Dharmasena, Warne completed a 10-wicket haul.

The victory marked a remarkable comeback from the Australian side. Ricky Ponting's nervy beginning as Test captain over the opening 3 days ended as a crescendo of strong decisions and courageous performance.

Matthew Hayden equaled the world record for catches in a match with 7, yet his noteworthy achievement stood only second to the return of the king.

Final Scores:

Australia 220 (D Lehmann 63, D Martyn 42, M Hayden 41; M Muralitharan 6/59)

Sri Lanka 381 (T Dilshan 104, M Jayawardene 68, M Atapattu 47; S Warne 5/116)

Australia 8 dec. 512 (Hayden 130, Lehmann 129, Martyn 110; Muralitharan 5/153)

Sri Lanka 154 (U Chandana 43; Warne 5/43, S MacGill 4/74)

Australia won by 197 runs.

Cricket Web Player-of-the-Match: Shane Warne.

Australia lead the 3 Test Series 1-0 after 1 match.

Posted by Andre